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When to seek emergency care for vomiting, diarrhea and fever

Fever, vomiting and diarrhea are common in kids, but some symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring emergency care.

Seena Sleem
June 10, 2025
A pediatrician examining a young girl with a stethoscope in a medical office. The girls mother is standing beside her with her arm on the girl's back.

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child has a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. While these symptoms are often linked to minor illnesses like the stomach flu or food poisoning, there are times when they may signal something more serious. Knowing when to seek emergency care can help keep your child safe.

Fever and vomiting: When to call a doctor

If your child has a low-grade fever and vomits once, it’s usually safe to monitor them at home and contact your pediatrician the next day. However, certain symptoms should not be ignored and may need urgent attention. Visit the pediatric emergency room (ER) if your child or toddler shows any of these additional symptoms:

Seek medical attention if your child:

  • Is an infant younger than 3 months
  • Has repetitive or forceful vomiting
  • Has not urinated or has dry diapers
  • Seems excessively sleepy or lethargic
  • Cries inconsolably
  • Has black or bloody vomit
  • Has a fever:
    • Over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months
    • Over 102.2°F in children over 3 months

Fever and diarrhea: When to call a doctor

Diarrhea and fever are also common in children, but if your child has additional symptoms, it may be time to seek emergency care. Go to the ER if diarrhea and fever are accompanied by:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears when crying)
  • No urination or dry diapers
  • Lethargy or extreme fatigue
  • Inconsolable crying
  • High fever (same thresholds as above)

Where to seek care

If your child is showing any of these signs, visit a pediatric ER for immediate evaluation. HCA Florida Healthcare offers expert pediatric emergency care across the state, providing fast, compassionate treatment when your family needs it most.

Your child is the center of your world. Every time you entrust them to our care, they become the center of ours. At HCA Florida Healthcare, we provide a friendly, family-focused environment where you and your child can feel safe, supported and cared for — with some of the region’s most experienced pediatric specialists working together to deliver personal, expert care.

Need help deciding what to do?

Call our Consult-A-Nurse® line 24/7 at 844-70-NURSE (or 844-706-8773) to speak with a licensed nurse for free. You’ll get trusted advice and help determine your next steps.

Published:
June 10, 2025

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